Bentonville distance runners make choices
BENTONVILLE — Two Bentonville distance runners elected to go to greater lengths in order to take their careers to the college level.
Devyn O’Daniel made Arkansas State University her choice, while James American Horse chose Boston University as 13 Bentonville athletes signed their national letters of intent during Thursday’s ceremony inside Tiger Arena.
O’Daniel was the runner-up behind teammate Haley Loewe in the Class 6A state cross country championships in November, and she was the state runner-up in the 800 meters during the Class 6A state track and field meet last season. She chose Arkansas State over Central Arkansas, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri State, Western Kentucky and some smaller schools.
“Honestly, I feel like an Arkansan at heart,” O’Daniel said of her decision. “I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’ve had 10 other family members at Arkansas State, which is pretty cool. Just meeting the coach [Jim Patchell], he really wanted to invest in me and make me better, and I loved the facilities. I love the environment — just the whole community of Jonesboro.
“Now I want to focus on winning state and also focus on increasing my mileage. I’m trying to push myself even further so I can be in a position to succeed at college.”
American Horse was the Meet of Champs runner-up in the 3,200 last season and helped Bentonville achieve near perfection during the Class 6A state cross country meet as the Tigers finished with 17 points for their seventh straight title. He chose Boston University with Arkansas State being a close second, he said.
“Just the coaching staff and the facility,” American Horse said of his decision. “They have the fastest track in the world, and [Boston University Coach Gabe Sanders) sold me on that. The school is a top 50 school in the nation, so I’ll be good academically. Also, he [Sanders] fought for me to get a scholarship, and I respect that in a coach.
“Right now, I’m looking forward to track. I’ve got big goals for myself and this teams, as well. We’re looking to go double-triple and try to get another triple crown in May. I’m excited and looking forward to the season coming up.”
Another athlete with track and cross country ties, Carter Harris, signed with Oklahoma Christian. Swimmer Emma On-TheHill made her choice with Northern Colorado, while baseball player Alec Gruice signed with Arkansas StateThree Rivers.
Eight more members of Bentonville’s football team made their college decisions Thursday after receiver C.J. Brown signed in December with the University of Arkansas. Quarterback Carter Nye and offensive linemen Andrew Hellman will remain teammates at Arkansas Tech, while defensive back Christian Farrow and receiver Karsten Pate will do likewise at Northwest Missouri State.
The other football signees included receiver Luke Coon with Missouri Western, defensive end Braylon Hardrick with Northeastern (Okla.) State, defensive back Liam Mulligan with Greenville (Ill.) University and Levi Roberson with Hendrix College.